Bhopal, February 2026: What should have been a place of healing turned into a source of fear for several families at Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal. A carefully planned scam involving fake medical calls and QR code payments has exposed how vulnerable patients and their relatives can be inside busy public hospitals.
At least ten families were targeted in what police describe as a coordinated fraud that relied on leaked patient information and emotional manipulation. The case has triggered concern over data security and internal oversight within government healthcare facilities.
According to investigators, the accused, Jitendra Khagre, posed as a doctor and contacted relatives of admitted patients. What made the calls believable was the level of detail. He allegedly knew patients’ names, ward numbers, medical conditions and treatment status.
Police believe this information was accessed through insiders working inside the hospital. Using these details, Khagre would call family members and claim the patient’s condition had suddenly worsened. He then offered urgent tests or faster treatment in exchange for immediate payment.
Instead of cash, he sent QR codes and asked relatives to transfer money instantly, exploiting the panic and fear that comes with a medical emergency.
In one recorded call that is now part of the police investigation, the caller told a father that his child had a hole in the heart and urgently needed an echocardiogram. He demanded ₹10,000, promising to arrange the test immediately.
In another instance, the caller introduced himself as “Dr Arnav” and claimed a patient had serious liver problems. Families were asked to transfer amounts ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹8,000.
Once the money was sent, the caller stopped responding. Several victims later realized they had been blocked, with no test scheduled and no doctor by that name treating their relatives.
So far, three official complaints have been registered, with losses exceeding ₹30,000. Police believe the real number of victims may be much higher, as many families hesitate to come forward out of embarrassment or fear.
Investigators suspect that at least seven hospital staff members may have shared patient details in exchange for commissions. This insider angle has intensified scrutiny of hospital systems and employee access to sensitive data.
After tracking digital payment trails and phone records, cybercrime teams arrested Jitendra Khagre in Indore. He has been brought to Bhopal and booked on charges related to impersonation and cheating.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and may lead to further arrests if staff involvement is confirmed.
Hamidia Hospital Superintendent Suneet Tandon has issued a clear warning to the public. He stated that no doctor or hospital staff member asks for extra money over the phone or sends QR codes for treatment or tests.
(Rh/ARC)